Lay clerk facts for kids

A lay clerk, also sometimes called a lay vicar, is a person who sings in a choir. These choirs are usually found in big churches called cathedrals or in colleges at famous universities like Oxford or Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Lay clerks are usually paid for their singing work.

When someone is called a "lay vicar," the word "vicar" comes from an old Latin word, "vice." This means "deputy" or "someone who stands in for another." A lay vicar is not a priest or a religious leader. They are regular people who sing. Today, while most lay clerks are men, some women also sing in these choirs, for example, at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.

What is a Lay Clerk?

A lay clerk is a professional singer. They are part of a choir that performs music, often during church services. Their job is to sing the parts of the music that are usually too difficult for other choir members.

History of Lay Clerks

The idea of a "layman" singing in a choir goes back to the Middle Ages. Back then, a "layman" was someone who was not a priest. These lay singers helped with the more challenging musical parts. This allowed the priests to focus on their religious duties.

Lay Clerks Today

Today, many lay clerks combine their singing with other activities. For example, in places like Oxford or Cambridge, many lay clerks are also students at the University. Being a lay clerk can be a bit like getting a scholarship. A scholarship helps pay for your studies while you also work or perform a special role. This way, they can study and share their musical talents at the same time.